Scotland’s RAAC Crisis: Progress Acknowledged, But National Leadership Still Absent

Wilson Chowdhry leads RAAC-affected homeowners in a protest outside the Scottish Parliament, demanding urgent government action.

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By Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group

On 22nd April 2025, the Scottish Parliament's Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (LGHPC) heard further evidence on the ongoing crisis surrounding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in residential housing. As the petitioner behind two RAAC-related petitions being considered by the Scottish Government, I listened intently to the discussion. While I welcome some of the steps outlined, what is still missing—frankly—is decisive national leadership and equity for private homeowners.

Minister Paul McLennan acknowledged that this is a “worrying time” for homeowners affected by RAAC and referenced both our petition for a national register of affected homes and the call for dedicated remediation funding. “I am pleased that the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee continues to engage with our petition, and I look forward to further meetings in Aberdeen this May, where I will speak directly with residents facing this disaster firsthand,” he said. However, the Minister has yet to respond to repeated requests for a meeting with Mr Chowdhry and leaders of other RAAC campaign groups across Scotland. To date, no additional meetings have been announced, raising concerns about the lack of a coordinated national response. Mr Chowdhry has expressed particular concern that the Minister appears willing to engage only with homeowners from SNP-controlled councils, an approach that risks further marginalising communities in other affected areas.

Yet, despite this engagement, there remains no concrete commitment to establishing a RAAC remediation scheme for private owners. This is unacceptable. RAAC is not a problem any individual homeowner caused, and the failure of this material represents a systemic issue—rooted in decades of regulatory oversight and material misclassification.

Paul McLennan stated that the Scottish Government is sympathetic and is "pushing the UK Government for funding," but repeated refusals from Westminster cannot be used as a shield against action. Scotland has always prided itself on progressive housing policy—why, then, are we not seeing a Scottish-led solution like we saw with defective system-built homes or the cladding remediation programme?

Inconsistent Local Responses Highlight Need for Centralised Strategy

A key issue raised in the committee by Mark Griffin MSP was the variable quality of support being offered by local authorities. This was not new to me. In fact, it's a core reason behind our petition: the postcode lottery of care.

Minister McLennan admitted there was no baseline expectation set for local authority support, stating instead that the Scottish Government has allowed “flexibility.” While flexibility is important, it cannot come at the cost of accountability. One tenant in Aberdeen should not be treated more harshly than another in West Lothian. When people are losing their homes—whether through demolition or long-term evacuation—we need national standards for tenant and homeowner support, including:

• Guaranteed financial aid for furniture replacement where re-entry is denied.

• Clear timelines and communication on repair vs. demolition.

• Support for vulnerable groups displaced by RAAC evacuations.

Survey Clarity Still Lacking

Stephen Garvin of the Scottish Government confirmed that local authorities are being advised to use guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers to assess RAAC. That’s sound advice in theory—but what does this mean in practice?

We’ve heard time and again of councils hiring surveyors with little RAAC-specific expertise, leading to conflicting reports, misclassification of risk, and delayed action. A national register of competent RAAC surveyors and a public reporting tool for findings must be introduced to rebuild trust.

We’re Tired of Being “Sympathised With”

Minister McLennan said he has no issue with speaking to residents. That’s good, but talking is not enough. When asked by Mr Griffin whether a remediation scheme is being actively considered, the answer was vague. Residents need clarity, not sympathetic noises.

Let’s be frank: the Government has supported social landlords with some financial flexibility. But private homeowners are left stranded—despite paying taxes and insurance for decades. The time has come for the Scottish Government to lead where Westminster is failing.

The Path Forward

I urge the Government to take these immediate steps:

1. Launch a Scottish RAAC Remediation Scheme for private homes—modeled after existing schemes for cladding and system-built housing.

2. Establish a national register of affected homes and buildings—ensuring transparency and coordination.

3. Mandate a minimum standard of response for all local authorities engaging with RAAC-affected residents.

4. Fund emergency support for displaced families, including temporary accommodation, storage, and furniture.

To residents across Scotland suffering in silence or confusion: your voices are being heard. I will continue to fight, petition, and speak truth to power until we secure the justice and support you deserve.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, commented:  

“While I welcome the Minister’s decision to meet RAAC-affected homeowners in Aberdeen and commend his willingness to engage directly, I remain deeply disappointed by the continued absence of a clear, nationwide solution to this crisis. Far too much emphasis is being placed on debates over UK Government funding, while the urgent and often traumatic experiences of displaced families are being sidelined.

Despite leading a national campaign that has substantially shaped public and governmental understanding of the RAAC housing emergency—and having submitted multiple petitions formally considered by the Scottish Government—I was neither informed of nor invited to the Aberdeen meeting by MSPs Liam Kerr and Audrey Nicoll. Perhaps they are unaware of my work, but this exclusion is both disheartening and counterproductive, particularly given my role in founding the Torry Community RAAC Campaign Group and leading the initial protests and deputations to Aberdeen City Council’s Full Council.

I have once again proposed a roundtable meeting with the Housing Minister at Holyrood or St Andrews House, bringing together campaign leaders from all RAAC-affected regions. Only by listening to the full breadth of lived experience can a fair, inclusive, and effective national response be achieved.”